The field participating at this year’s Wimbledon is going to look a little bit different than previously anticipated. According to reports, Russian players will not be allowed to compete due to the country’s actions in invading Ukraine.
That would prevent a couple of the top players in the world from taking part. No. 2-ranked Daniil Medvedev and No. 8-ranked Andrey Rublev are barred from involvement because of the ban, and on the women’s side, this ruling wipes out the No. 15-ranked Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova.
In addition, it’s possible that players from Belarus are also blocked from participation, as per a report by Sportico, due to the country’s involvement as a staging area for Russia’s invasion.
If this were to be solidified, No. 4-ranked Aryna Sabalenka — who was a Wimbledon semifinalist only a year ago — and former world No. 1 Victoria Azarenka would be prevented from being involved.
As of now, Russian and Belarusian players are allowed to compete at the French Open, which starts May 22nd but can only do so while recognized as neutral athletes.
